The renowned Indian actress and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan visiting the Alfardan Jewellery pavilion. Joining her are (from left) Alfardan Group chairman Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan, Alfardan Group vice chairman and president of Alfardan Jewellery Ali Alfardan, prominent Qatari jeweller and Qatari Business Women Association president Aisha Alfardan, and Qatar National Tourism Council secretary-general and Qatar Airways Group chief executive HE Akbar al-Baker. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

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By Peter Alagos/ Business Reporter

Buoyed by the vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the country, Qatar will remain as one of the top leaders in the luxury and jewellery industry, said Alfardan Group chairman Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan.“We are looking at a very bright future under the vision of His Highness the Amir, who is pushing Qatar to be the best in the international and local market,” Alfardan told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which will run until February 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.“The DJWE is one of the best in the world, which is why it has to maintain its reputation of showcasing pieces with the highest standards, and Qatar has to stay on the top and it will stay on the top because of the direction taken by the leaders of this country,” he added.Alfardan also lauded the announcements made by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani aimed at promoting self-reliance, including the new laws that ease business procedures, the building of storage and logistic facilities, as well as manufacturing and related infrastructure, and other initiatives that would spill over across many sectors, including the jewellery industry.He also stressed that Alfardan Jewellery is the country’s industry leader and the first jewellery shop in Qatar. “This is why we are only looking at the highest standards either in the field of jewellery or in any business activity under our group.”But he quickly clarified that while Alfardan Jewellery maintains “the highest of standards,” all brands under its wing cater to a wide sector in society, making them accessible to the local market.“There is a good market for high standard and high quality retail, but we always make sure that we cater to a wider market, and we have been moving in that direction,” Alfardan pointed out. He also lauded the efforts of local Qatari jewellers and designers, whom Alfardan described as promising, increasing, and successful.“They are doing their best to be at the top of the market. And I am very happy today because everybody is active and they are doing their part in the exhibition, and making sure that this exhibition will be a success,” Alfardan added.